Three Chinese tourists who disturbed a protected coral reef while snorkelling and waved a starfish for selfies face two years in jail in Thailand
- The divers were on a trip from the island of Koh Racha, near the resort of Phuket.
- Pictures of them posing with starfish were posted by an environmental group in Thailand.
Three Chinese tourists who disturbed a protected coral reef while snorkelling and waved starfish at a selfie camera face up to two years in jail in Thailand.
The trio, all Chinese nationals, had been on an organized diving trip from the island of Koh Racha, near the Phuket resort.
The images of them stepping on the reef and holding the starfish emerged when they were published by a group that monitors ecological violations in Thailand.
In a Facebook post, Thailand’s Environment Minister Varawut Silpa-Archa stated that two had admitted to the crime after turning themselves in to police.
The third suspect has apparently disappeared, local media reported.
Three tourists who disturbed a protected coral reef while snorkelling and waved starfish at a camera for selfies (pictured) face up to two years in jail in Thailand
To find the trio, officials worked with the tourism police, the maritime office and the company that organized the trip.
If convicted, the visitors could face two years in prison and a fine of 200,000 Thai baht (GBP 4,460).
The two-month tour company that organized the trip has apologized for the stunt.
The operator also promised to raise awareness about not interfering with marine wildlife.
Some Thai social media users lashed out at ‘wild Chinese tour groups’.
The trio, all Chinese nationals, had been on an organized diving trip from the island of Koh Racha, near the Phuket resort. The images of them stepping on the reef and holding the starfish emerged when they were published by a group that monitors ecological violations in Thailand.
Others criticized the diving instructors for not informing guests of the rules.
In 2020, two Chinese tourists were detained for using a harpoon to catch protected ornamental fish while snorkelling in central Thailand.
And in 2019, South Korean actress Lee Yeol-eum was accused of catching endangered giant clams in a Thai national marine park for a reality TV show.
According to marine experts, rising sea temperatures and rampant tourism have damaged more than three-quarters of Thailand’s coral reefs.
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